Treat yo self: 5 craft beers worth splurging for

For those who aren’t flush with disposable income, craft beer is already a bit of an investment.

A standard six-pack of decent craft beer will probably set you back $8-9 — as compared to a sixer of Bud Light, which is around $7.50.

With only around $1 difference, the investment in higher quality (and higher alcohol by volume) seems like a no-brainer. If you’re lookin’ to treat yourself with a higher-end craft beer, you used to have to drive to Houston.

These days, however, most local craft beer sellers are expanding their selection of bombers, limited releases and specialty beers that will cost you a little extra scratch.

Sometimes, the extra money is worth it.

Here are a few releases that we have no problem paying a little extra for.
(* = Texas brew)

GillianBrewed by: Goose IslandHow much you get: One 765mL bottlePrice: $26.99 at Miller’s Discount LiquorStyle: Belgian-style farmhouse ale
The most expensive beer we’ve found in Beaumont, Goose Island’s Gillian — from their collection of vintage ales — has a lot of wine-like properties, bottle notwithstanding. It starts off almost jarringly tart, especially if you’ve been drinking something hoppy all night, but after the first few sips, you start to get hints of white pepper, honey and strawberry and it becomes beautifully drinkable.

This special occasion beer is definitely worth the money.

Fun fact: According to a Chicago Reader piece, Gillian is a nod to X-Files actress Gillian Anderson, who once worked at a Goose Island pub.

This can of solid, 9-percent ABV gold is rich without being too heavy and, despite the price, I just can’t stop buying it. If the name sounds a little black metal, well, it is — this unlikely trinity of brewers originally bonded over their love of metal.

With an emphasis on wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers, Jester King uses locally grown grains with native wild yeast — which makes these beers pretty authentic to Austin itself.

Wytchmaker, coming in at 7.3 ABV, features Texas Hill Country yeast and organic hops and grains.

CidreBrewed by: Stella ArtoisHow much you get: Four 12-ounce bottlesPrice: $7.49 at H-E-B PlusStyle: Cider
Ciders are really popular at the moment — and a part of that popularity comes from cider’s typically gluten-free status. They tend to be a bit too sweet for me, but after trying Stella Artois’ Cidre at a Pint Jockeys tasting, I immediately loved it more than any other cider I’ve had in recent history (which, admittedly, is not many).

The only downside to Cidre is its price point, but as someone who doesn’t often reach for an apple cider, this is the one I’ll buy when I do.